Pacey and Joey sat cross-legged on Pacey's bed talking to each other. They had spent the last hour and a half going over equations and things in preparation for Pacey's test the next day. Pacey felt like he was fighting a losing battle. No matter how easy Joey tried to make things for him, it still went over his head. He was beginning to think that maybe he should have paid attention during class after all.

"So, Joey," Pacey asked, "What did you mean today in the Icehouse when you said I was your second least favorite person in the world? Don't tell me someone has beaten me to the number one spot in your hate list."

Joey nodded glumly. "Yah, Dawson has done it again. He has managed to make me feel like the centuries greatest fool."

"Spill. I want to hear about our clueless friend's faults." Pacey smiled at Joey.

"Okay. You asked for it. You know how Jen's gramps died? Well I told Dawson on the way to school this morning but he wasn't listening and he wasn't there at lunch time when I told you. So he didn't know about it until Jen told him in their Chemistry class. But instead of being sympathetic he went all freaky because Jen told him before I did. Then he started trashing heaven and went on about bones rotting in the ground. Not a nice thought for Jen as you can imagine. she was so upset, Pacey. So I went to see Dawson in detention because I was mad at him but then.......then........I walked in on him making out with Abby!" Pacey's jaw dropped.

Abby? Dawson must be taking stupid pills! he thought. Then Pacey looked at Joey's face. He knew Joey was in love with Dawson. That must have hurt her really badly.

"Jo, what can I say? The guy's an idiot." Pacey felt really sad for her.

Joey nodded. "I know, but it's not his fault, it's mine. I mean, he can do what he wants. I shouldn't expect him to instantly want to be with me just because Jen's out of the picture. I can't make him love me."

But he already loves you, I'm sure of it, Pacey thought. So why was he kissing Abby?

"Anyway," Joey said, rapidly changing the subject. "What's going on with you and Susi? 'Pacey you were really good last night'. Is that what she said? Care to go into detail?" Joey smiled mischievously.

Panic engulfed Pacey's features. Oh shit! I was supposed to go to that cafe tonight! He glanced at his watch. There's still time. "Joey, I gotta go!" Pacey cried leaping up and running down the stairs before Joey could object. Pacey walked quickly through the streets. It was a cold night so he hunched up his shoulders and buried his hands deep in his pockets. He was going to the cafe that he had visited last night. It was a cafe where amateur actors and actresses could perform excerpts from a play or something. Last night he had performed a speech from Braveheart. Tonight he was thinking more along the lines of Romeo and Juliet. It was all just an excuse to get Susi, the girl he loved, to notice him. She was serious about the acting and frequently visited the cafe. Damn, I can't believe I nearly forgot to go! It was his performance that she had been referring to when she had told him that he was "good last night". A couple of times while Pacey was walking, he thought he heard footsteps behind him. When he walked faster they walked faster and when he stopped to listen, they stopped. He was getting a bit freaked. At one point he glanced over his shoulder but he couldn't see anyone. Just as Pacey opened the door and entered the cafe, Susi was stepping off the platform that was used as a stage. Pacey was annoyed that he had missed her performance. Still, he had a proposition for her. Within ten minutes, Pacey was on the platform, ready to begin. After he had come in to the cafe, he had ran up to Susi and grabbed her arm. Then he had begged her to act out a scene from Romeo and Juliet with him. He knew that she would know the lines, they had been studying that particular scene in the drama class that they had together. Now, as she stood opposite him and smiled reassuringly, Pacey felt more nervous than he had ever felt in his entire life. He began in a trembling voice. Slowly all his surroundings faded away and he was alone with Susi. He was no longer acting, he was speaking with confidence about his feelings towards her. When she spoke he was mesmerized both by her words and the way she looked. The soft blur around them gradually formed shapes and became the interior of the cafe filled with people. Pacey and Susi were finished and they turned to face the people who had been watching while they drank their coffee and who were now clapping. Then Pacey felt his knees weaken and he clung to Susi for support. Joey was standing near the door of the restaurant smiling at him.

"Pacey, are you okay?" Susi asked, leading him off the stage.

"I...I'm fine, I was just a little nervous that's all." Pacey smiled at her. I can't believe Joey saw that, he thought. He was filled with butterflies and the adrenaline rush from being on the stage still hadn't worn off.

"Okay," Susi looked concerned. "Pacey, I was wondering if, maybe, well, if you would like to go out with me sometime?"

"Uh, sure that would be great, maybe we could go to the Rialto tomorrow? There are a few good movies showing at the moment."

"Yeah, I'd love to. Meet me there at eight?" Pacey nodded. This had to be the best night of his life. He had forgotten about Joey witnessing his performance until she approached them.

"Pacey, I'm impressed."

"Oh, um, Joey, hi. You know Susi right?"

Joey nodded. "Yeah, although it appears I don't know you as well as I thought I did."

Pacey turned to Susi. "I'm just gonna walk Joey home now, I'll see you tomorrow."

Susi smiled at Pacey as he led Joey away by the arm. "I can't believe you followed me here!" he hissed in her ear as they headed along the street. He had had such a great night though that he couldn't really be angry with her.

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